#WorkerWednesday Information Center Assistant

This week we will find out what it’s like to work as an information center assistant (IA) for University Student Commons and Activities (USC&A).
Meet Julia Robertson, a rising junior from Huddleston, Virginia, majoring in fashion and design and one of the talented IAs working at the Information Center in the University Student Commons.

How long have you worked for VCU?
Almost a full year now.What are your main responsibilities as an IA?
I am the initial contact with students and the public when they visit the Commons, which requires a professional attitude. Responsibilities include answering questions, transferring phone calls and helping out in any way that I can. Also, I give out piano reservations and loan equipment such as magazines, bike pumps and car battery jumpers.What does a typical day look like for you?
I help when tour groups come though, when people ask questions about events in the Commons and when visitors want to speak with managers.Do you find it easy to balance being a student and a student worker?
It definitely helps that on slow days I can work on homework as long as I still pay attention.What are some suggestions for people finding it difficult to manage?
Since I am majoring in Fashion and Design, most of my homework needs to be done in the studio. I have learned the importance of time management and setting my priorities straight. It’s a hard, but important, lesson to learn.What is one thing you really enjoy about your job?
I like the closeness of the staff here. They are always kind and they treat me with respect.Is there anything that you have now learned that you originally struggled with at the start of your job?
I had a hard time at the beginning memorizing all the room numbers and the functions of the rooms. It comes with practice, though.What has been one unexpected perk of working for USC&A?
Definitely all the free food we get and having the opportunity to work with friends.What would be one suggestion to a student that is interested in working as a IA for USC&A?
It’s a very relaxed job, but don’t take it too lightly. Don’t be mean to co-workers and care about the work you do.